Dying to Live Hardcover by Shell Rowe

Product Details

• Publisher: Bantam (2026-08-25)
• Language: English
• Paperback: 256 pages
• ISBN-13: 9780857509260
• Item Weight: 300.51 grams
• Dimensions: 20.42 x 13.16 x 2.39 cm

From award-winning content creator and 4 x cancer survivor Shell Rowe

What readers are saying:
'I just flew through it and found it so comforting and simultaneously funny and uplifting.'

'The book isn’t about toxic positivity or about squashing your problems, but absolutely encourages you to find a silver lining or something humorous in the hardships you face and I think there’s such power in that.'

'Less self-help lecture, more a fiercely loving mate who's been through it and refuses to let you shrink.'

This story began because I was dying to live. It ends with having learned how.

Shell Rowe's life took an abrupt turn when she was diagnosed with cancer aged just 20 and given a slim chance of survival.

Three diagnoses later, Shell refused to let cancer define her and instead chose to share her journey with humour and positivity on TikTok.

In this inspiring, life-affirming and funny book, Shell shares the ten lessons she learned along the way:
* life doesn't always turn out the way you planned – it may work out even better
* make your own luck
* give it six months
* be brave
* embrace the chaos
* growing old is a privilege, so make every day count

This is a book for anyone who has ever faced hardship, felt stuck, paralysed by doubt, judgement or endless what ifs. It will make you laugh, cry, treasure your friends and make the most of life, no matter what.

About the Author

Shell Rowe is a content creator, author and cancer survivor who shares joy, laughter and honesty on social media while also using her voice to raise awareness for causes close to her heart. Her lived experienced with cancer is a driving force for much of her advocacy, leveraging her unique style of storytelling to raise awareness and funds for those still fighting blood cancer and disorders.


Shell has partnered with many charities such as Macmillan, Teenage Cancer Trust, DKMS, and was honoured to receive the Advocate of the Year Award from Anthony Nolan. Having only survived thanks to a stem cell transplant, Shell is especially passionate about encouraging others to join the register and potentially save lives.